‘Once in a Lifetime’ RAF Centenary Flyover Comes To Windsor

Posted: Fri 6 July 2018 at 14:46

Nearly 100 RAF aircraft, joined by the Red Arrows display team, will soar over the skies of Windsor just after 1pm on 10 July in what has been called a “once in a lifetime” event.

Marking the centenary of the RAF, the mixture of vintage and modern aircraft will fly from Ipswich at 12:45pm, reaching Buckingham Palace at 1pm and Heathrow at 1:10pm. Windsor and Maidenhead will be next, a few minutes later.

WINDSOR CENTENARY FLYPASTLancaster Bombers, Hurricanes and Spitfires will join the RAF’s latest state-of-the-art jet planes, alongside several helicopters and passenger aircraft.

Perhaps most anticipated will be the RAF’s next generation fast jet, the Lightning, as it takes to the air for what will be its first public outing.

Providing the weather conditions are right, 25 different kinds of aircraft will be involved in the procession.

The RAF says: “This once-in-a-lifetime flypast will provide an iconic centrepiece for the RAF100 celebrations.

“In our centenary year we are commemorating those that have come before us, celebrating our current personnel and, ultimately, inspiring a new generation to write the next chapters in the RAF’s story.”

To get a great view of the flypast, Windsor tourists and locals alike could head to Alexandra Gardens, where they may enjoy views of the flypast in the skies above Windsor Castle.

Alternatively, anyone lucky enough to have accommodation in central Windsor will be able to enjoy the flypast in all its glory from the comfort of their own home or garden.

The Windsor Wedding!

Posted: Mon 14 May 2018 at 18:10

We are very excited this month as Windsor hosts the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. Georges Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle this Saturday 19th May 2018.

We are expecting the town to be buzzing with excitement – in fact it has already started with bunting going up throughout the town and images of Harry and Megan adorning various shop doorsteps and pub windows!

There are huge screens going up along the Long Walk and Alexandra Gardens and the procession route has been mapped out to allow for maximum viewing pleasure!  The royal couple will leave Windsor Castle and proceed down Windsor High Street, along Sheet Street and onto Kings Road, Albert Road then they will turn onto the Long Walk and go back up to the Castle greeting thousands of well-wishers along the way.

There will be food and drink and entertainment on tap and many visitors to Windsor and local families are making a day of it.  The atmosphere is sure to be electric – let’s hope the weather holds out.

We are aware of road closures in the town from 10pm on the day before the wedding on certain roads in the town centre and other main roads into Windsor closing from 6am on Saturday 19th May until around 4pm.

For more information on this please see www.roadworks.org and type in Windsor and the date to see a map showing where each road is closed.

Despite road closures this event will be such a joyous occasion and we hope that the royal couple will be very happy as they start their married life – who knows, there may even be the patter of tiny feet in a few years!

If you have already booked accommodation with us then you will be aware of the road closures as we have emailed you but please do keep an eye on the roadworks site for any last-minute changes.  There are parking spaces at The Review Ground which need to be reserved – the price is £30 per car and we understand there might be a 20 minute walk from there to The Long Walk.  Book parking here

Our top tip for the day – travel light, leave plenty of time to get here as there are likely to be queues.  There are extra trains laid on for the big day so leave the car at home and stay overnight to avoid the traffic!

 

Windsor City Sightseeing Bus Tour – Emily Hobbs

Posted: Wed 10 May 2017 at 14:15

city-sightseeing-emily

Having lived in Windsor all my life this is something that I hadn’t done before and felt that this would really help to refresh my knowledge of Windsor. My colleague, Lou, and I took the bus trip on a sunny Wednesday afternoon and really enjoyed the experience.

We started the tour at the first stop on Castle Hill directly outside Windsor Castle. As you get on the bus you are given a set of headphones that you plug in for the duration of the tour, this is a multi-lingual guided tour so is suitable for different nationalities.

We decided to sit on the top deck as it was a nice day and thought this would be best way to take in the sites – just watch out for some of the higher trees as you go through Datchet as they do hang over the side of the bus. There is so much to see in Windsor and the surrounding areas and this is a great way to see everything without wearing out your feet!

There are 11 Bus stops that you can Hop-On or Hop-Off as you please, as the buses come every 30 minutes giving you plenty of time to get off and have a look around or stop for lunch, knowing another bus is just around the corner.

The bus tour is great value for money at just £13 per adult or £30 for a family ticket, 2 adults 2 children (2017 prices) as it is both informative and enjoyable for anyone looking to explore and learn the history of Windsor. As it is a short trip of around 45 minutes it is suitable for individuals, couples or families of all ages.Windsor Open top Bus Tour

MESSING ABOUT ON THE WATER – AWL girls go cruisin’

Posted: Fri 28 April 2017 at 07:07

Lou-Boat-Trip

As part of my on-the-job training it’s important for me to know all about Windsor and understand what attracts over 6 million visitors to the town each year. With this in mind, and not knowing much about Windsor’s amazing history, I was excited to take a 40-minute boat trip up the River Thames with French Brothers.

Lou-Boat-Trip2The commentary was interesting and informative… and perfectly timed – we were sailing past the exact view as it was mentioned on the tape.  As we passed the Eton College playing fields we learnt that the school was founded in 1440 by Henry VI… who knew?  I would recommend sitting further back if you want to chat as the front of the boat was quite loud.

You get a great view of Windsor Racecourse on the way up to Boveney Lock & Weir where the boat turns around.  Very pretty, and wonderful to watch the world – and the swans – go by from the comfort of your seat.  On the way back, there are stunning views of Windsor Castle.  Camera’s at the ready…

Swan headshot

My colleague, who lives in Windsor, found the trip very informative and she has learnt some new things about her home town.  This trip is suitable for all ages and is equally interesting if you are new to the town or have lived in Windsor your whole life.

What’s on April / May 2017

Posted: Thu 6 April 2017 at 19:49

The weather is warming up and there is no better time to visit Windsor.  With a huge choice of restaurants, bars and cafes and masses of local events taking place beat the crowds by booking to stay in our beautiful town this Spring.  You can choose to stay in top 5 star hotels, executive serviced accommodation or boutique B&B’s.

Windsor is beautiful in Spring and here’s what’s on if you are planning a visit in the new few weeks…

  • Cliveden is running an Easter Egg trail between Saturday 14th and Monday 17th April from 10am to 3.30pm.  Free entry for NT members
  • The Carnival of Colour at Savill Gardens on Wick Lane between 1st-17th April from 10-5pm each day with a Rainbow Trail and chance to win a celebratory Rhododendron
    Carnival of colour
  • Theatre Royal Windsor is showing Dirty Rotten Scoundrels from 4-8th April and Fame the Musical from 11-15th April
  • Enjoy Windsor’s very own Royal Free Singers in concert at Eton College on 8th April from 7.30 – 10pm
  • Treat yourselves to a Gourmet Spring Dinner hosted at the Cumberland Lodge on 19th April from 7-9.30pm
  • Help the Queen celebrate her 91st birthday with a 21-gun salute taking place on the Long Walk (Brook Street entrance) from midday on 21st April
  • Monday Evening races start at Windsor Racecourse on 24th April and then 8th, 15th and 22nd May – gates open 2.45pm
  • The Great British Dog Walk departs from Savill Gardens for a wonderful 4km or 9km stomp through Windsor Great Park on 29th April from 10.30am in aid of hearing dogs
  • The stylish Royal Windsor Jaguar Festival takes place at Windsor Castle on 5th and 6th May
  • Windsor Horse Show will once again be wowing the crowds from 10-14th May in Home Park
  • Ascot May Racing Weekend takes place 12-13th MayChris_Dean_s_Syd
  • The Syd Lawrence Orchestra will be performing at Theatre Royal on Tuesday 16th May
  • Windsor Half Marathon and 10k River Trail will be on 21st May this year – still time to get training
  • The Adele Songbook performed by Katie Markham (hand-picked by Adele herself) will take place on 23rd May at Theatre Royal
  • Windsor Independent Market will be on Peascod Street this Easter weekend 15th and 16th April and also 29th and 30th April

What’s coming up… keep dates free and get tickets quick for these forthcoming events

  • Sunset Cinema will be appearing at Cliveden House Hotel from 21st June to 11th July – enjoy a classic movie with food by Rick Stein and ice-creams by Hand & Flowers in a wonderful setting
  • Windsor Championship Dog Show from 29th June to 2nd July in Home Park
  • Tickets for Royal Ascot are on sale now with the Windsor Enclosure already sold out – book early to avoid disappointment
  • Live & Unwind Festival at Oakley Court from 29-30th July

 

 

MOTHERING SUNDAY 2015

Posted: Fri 6 March 2015 at 13:56

With Mother’s Day (Sunday 15th March) just around the corner there is a variety of events and great choice of restaurants to treat your Mum.  There is lots on offer in Windsor.

r_browns___restaurant_and_barBrown’s Bar and Brasserie, nestling at the foot of Windsor Castle with lovely views of the River Thames. This wonderful location has real wow factor and Browns are offering exclusive deals for this Mothering Sunday.  For more information please check out their website.  Book early to avoid disappointment.

http://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/locations/windsor

Alternatively, if you fancy getting out and about and enjoying the Spring sunshine, Savill Gardens situated just outside of Windsor, is well worth a visit.  This attraction is a delight for keen gardeners.  Free admission for Mothers on 15th March.  The café is serving delicious three course meals starting from just £15.95.

http://www.theroyallandscape.co.uk/events/2015/03/mothers-day/

A special treat for the little ones (and big kids too…!) Squire’s Garden Centre are hosting a Create & Grow event for Mother’s Day this year.  Pick three lovely flowers to plant in your basket and take home as a gift for just £5, there are fun competitions to enter into too.  There is also a café serving lovely cream teas and appetising lunches.  For more information visit their website to help you plan your special day.

http://www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk/coffee-shop/windsor-coffee-shop/

Wherever you plan to take your beloved Mothers and Grandmothers this year, we hope you have a fabulous time here in Windsor.  If you are considering an extended stay, please let us know how we can help with your accommodation in Windsor and Eton.

www.accommodationwindsor.com

 

 

What’s on this Christmas

Posted: Tue 2 December 2014 at 15:00

Highlights of What’s On this December in Windsor & Eton:-

WINDSOR & ETON LIVING ADVENT CALENDAR

This event will take place every day between Dec 1-24th.  Each day at 6.15pm a 15-minute live performance will take place at a venue as detailed below; could be music, dance, drama or historical reading – all with a Xmas theme.  In true advent style, the details of the performance will remain a secret until the day.

Please refer to www.windsorobserver.co.uk/livingadvent for the latest information.

Monday 1 December: King & Castle, Thames Street
Tuesday 2 December: The Gallery at Ice, High Street
Wednesday 3 December: tbc
Thursday 4 December: Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street
Friday 5 December: Windsor On Ice, Alexandra Gardens
Saturday 6 December: Talents of Windsor, Guildhall Island
Sunday 7 December: Sir Christoper Wren, Thames Street
Monday 8 December: Wagamama, Thames Street/Windsor Royal Shopping
Tuesday 9 December: Luxe Flowers, Eton High Street
Wednesday 10 December: Royal Borough Museum, Guildhall, High Street
Thursday 11 December: Hotter Shoes, Peascod Street
Friday 12 December: Eton Town Centre
Saturday 13 December: Windsor Castle
Sunday 14 December: French Brothers, Promenade
Monday 15 December: Richer Sounds, Eton High Street
Tuesday 16 December: Castle Hotel, High Street
Wednesday 17 December: Natural History Museum, Eton College
Thursday 18 December: JAM Eton, Eton High Street
Friday 19 December: Bel and the Dragon, Datchet Road/Thames Street
Saturday 20 December: Bang & Olufsen, High Street
Sunday 21 December: Harte & Garter, Thames Street
Monday 22 December: Macdonald Hotel, High Street
Tuesday 23 December: Waterstones, Peascod Street
Wednesday 24 December: Windsor Parish Church, High Street

Living Advent Calendar Locations Leaflet

PANTOMIME

BEAUTY & THE BEAST starring Three Degrees soul star Sheila Ferguson, X-factor singer Rhydian and firm favourites Kevin Cruise along with Basil Brush and Postman Pat.  Tickets are available now, shows from Dec 3-11, tickets £31.50 theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

 

WINDSOR REINDEER PARADE

Starts atWindsor Castle, Santa will be visiting Windsor Town Centre together with his sleigh and reindeer.  He will visit the High Street and travel down Peascod Street and King Edward Court.  Between 2-4pm on Saturday 6th December.

LAPLAND UK

No need to book flights, Lapland is now conveniently located on the Windsor Estate in Whitmoor Forest.  Visit the Elves’ toy factory, magical forest and Mother Christmas’ kitchen to bake gingerbread and listen to a story.  From now until December 24th.  Tickets are available from £49.50-75 Laplanduk.co.uk.

Whatever you have planned this holiday season, Accommodation Windsor Limited would like to wish you a very merry Xmas and if you are planning to stay in Windsor during December, please contact our lovely Lettings team for info on the best accommodation deals enquiries@windsor.gb.com.

MERRY XMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

 

 

 

Royal Ascot Racing

Posted: Tue 10 June 2014 at 12:26

GEORGIE-FORD

A Blog by Georgie Ford

With less than a week to go, Royal Ascot is once again upon us.  This year the international race event takes place between Tuesday 17th June and Saturday 21st June with up to 300,000 people attending over the five days.  Having been around since 1711, Ascot is one of the most popular race meetings in the world with prize money estimated at a whopping £4.5 million.  Each day, Her Majesty the Queen and her guests arrive by horse-drawn landaus from Windsor Castle and circle the Parade Ring.

Whether you are an avid race-goer or just looking for the perfect excuse to get dressed up and sip champagne, Royal Ascot is the perfect day out.  Tickets are priced to suit most budgets giving everybody the opportunity to watch the Royal Procession whichever enclosure they are in.  The Grandstand refurbishment in 2006 has proved popular, with plenty of places to eat and drink and a great view of the action.

Outrageous hatsFashion is one of the biggest talking points of Royal Ascot with everyone looking out for the most outrageous hat of the day.  The press report widely on the best-dressed throughout the week but especially on Ladies’ Day.  While the Silver Ring has a more relaxed dress code, entrance to the Grandstand has become stricter in recent years; strapless dresses and mini dresses are no longer permitted and fascinators must be worn.

Please click here to purchase your tickets for Royal Ascot this June.  If you miss out on Royal Ascot there are racing events, fireworks displays and concerts taking place at Ascot Racecourse throughout the year.

Royal Ascot Races

Savill Gardens

Posted: Tue 8 April 2014 at 10:20

gardens_virginia_water_gallery_04_530-340[1]Savill Gardens is a stunning landscape located less than 5 miles from Windsor Castle surrounded by Valley Gardens and Virginia Water.  (more…)